Jet Airways sacks two pilots for joining union

Jet Airways has sacked two of its senior pilots for joining a newly formed union. Balaraman and Sam Thomas were sacked for joining the National Aviators Guild - the pilots' union - which was registered with the labour commissioner in Mumbai last month.

"The two pilots were asked to leave last week. It is, however, not part of our cost restructuring operations," a spokesperson for the airline told IANS on Wednesday.

The official, however, refused to share further details. "This is our internal issue. We do not discuss it in public."

In November 2008, Jet had sacked 32 foreign pilots in order to cut costs. The two sacked pilots enjoy the backing of over 600 union members, union officials said. They added that pilots were considering going on strike if the two were not reinstated.